Toruń[35] (Kashubian: Torń, German: Thorn) is a beautiful, medieval city in North-Western Poland, situated on the Vistula River. Its architecture has managed to escape bombing, and as such represents one of the only examples of true gothic architecture in Poland. Still reasonably off the radars of most European travellers, one can expect to have an amazing Polish experience here without the nightmares of a million and one interail travellers.

One of the capitals of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship (since 1999), previously the capital of the Toruń Voivodship (1975-1998) and the Pomeranian Voivodship (1921-1939), the city is located near the Geographic Center of Europe.

Toruń's medieval Old Town or Starówka is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Toruń is a birthplace of world famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The house where Copernicus was born and the chapel where he was christened are still standing in the city. From Middle Ages the town is known for its gingerbreads.

By train

Toruń's main railway station, Toruń Główny is situated across the river Vistula from the city. To walk into town takes 35 minutes. Alternatively, buses #22 and #27 run directly to the old town. These depart from both sides of the railway station; however, the kiosk for buying tickets is on the south side of the station. Take the bus two stops to Plac Rapackiego (You'll also notice the old town as you cross the bridge - it's the stop that immediately follows the bridge). You may need an additional ticket if carrying a large bag.

Toruń Miasto is another railway station which is smaller but situated much closer to the old town. Not all trains stop there, but if your train does then getting off at Toruń Miasto is the simplest solution.

By car

By bus

There are many bus connections to Toruń, and the bus station is just a short walk from the Old Town. (see Poland::By bus).

Get around

Toruń's old town is quite small, and has no public transportation system. Walking around the old town is your best option. Outside the old town, there are plentiful buses and trams, while taxis are quite cheap. To get further afield, cars can be hired for around 100 zł a day.

See

Nicolaus Copernicus Museum, ul. Kopernika 15-17 (Old Town). Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Toruń in 1473. The museum is situated in Copernicus's house which is a pretty building. Unfortunately the museum's "collection" mostly comprises of copies and facsimiles with very few explanations.10 zloty.

Ratusz Staromiejski (Old Town Hall), Rynek Staromiejski 1 (on Old town square (Rynek Staromiejski)). One of the most beautiful Gothic town halls in Europe. Despite its many treasures it is however not too rewarding for foreign visitors as it is almost entirely explained in Polish. Translations are very sparse or non-existent. The Museum consists of Gallery of Gothic art, Exhibition of old Toruń 1233-1793, Exhibition of Toruń coins, Court hall, Hall of Polish kings etc. Climb the tower for a beautiful view!10 zloty.

Cathedral of SS. Johns (Katedra świętych Janów), ul. Żeglarska, [2]. Gothic church where astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was christened. On its tower hangs Tuba Dei bell from 1500, one of the largest Medieval bells in Europe.

Medieval Granaries.

View from left bank of the Vistula River. Excellent panorama from left bank of the river Vistula.

Bydgoskie Przedmieście (Bromberger Vorstadt), (west of the Old Town). Mostly residential district build in the late 19th and early 20th century. It comprises many monuments of architecture, as well as a city park and zoobotanical garden.

Przedmieście Świętej Katarzyny (Wilhelmstadt). Built in the late 19th and early 20th century east of the Old Town, is a specific combination of residential and military architecture. St. Catherine's church is located at Wilhelmstad's main square; with its over 80 meter high tower it still remains the highest building in Toruń.

Teutonic Knights Castle Ruins, ul. Przedzamcze, [3]. 10 am - 6 pm. An outdoor museum. The castle is almost completely destroyed except for one tower and a dungeon that you can set foot on.Admission: 2 zl.

Dybowski Castle Ruins, opposite the river and small walk from the bridge (From the Old Town, cross the bridge to the other side of Vistula, then turn right and walk a cobblestone road you found under the bridge). An old skeleton of what is left of the old Castle, built by Polish king Władysław Jagiełło (Jogaila) in 15th century. You can explore the ruins at your own leisure and walk the walls (which can be dangerous).

Fortresses (12), (Some are located close to old town, others like the forth fortress are just outside the city).

Motoarena Toruń. The biggest and most modern purpose build speedway stadium in the world, in use since 2009. It is one of the sites for FIM Speedway Grand Prix since 2010.

Piwnice Radio Observatory, (Piwnice). A radio observatory with two dishes (diameters: 32 meters and 15 meters).

Krzywa Wieża (The Leaning Tower), ul. Pod Krzywą Wieżą. Part of old Toruń defense wall system built in the 13th century. Poor foundations led the tower to substantially lean at an angle soon after its construction. It's customary to see if you can stand with your feet against the wall and your arms outstretched in front of you (hint: it's pretty much impossible!)

Dwor Artusa (Artus Court, Artushof), Rynek Staromiejski 6, [4]. Monumental building on the place of medieval Artus Court in the end of 19th century. Now it hosts cultural centre.

Ethnographic Museum, [5]. A open-air museum showing the folk architecture of many regions of Poland. Includes a windmill.

Do

A list of events, entertainment, culture in Toruń - updated daily (also in English) can be found online: [39]

Bake traditional gingerbread at Gingerbread Museum, Rabianska street, very centre of old town, ☎+48 056 663 66 17, [6]. 9-18. Get involed in an interactive show throughout visitors are guided by Master of gingerbread bakery and the Witch. Having sworn the oath you become member of the guild. First you will prepare dough the way it has been done for centuries, you will kneed it. You will also use traditional baking-moulds then you'll bake your own gingerbread. As the museum is located in an old granary you'll be shown how to produce flour using old mill stones as well. And remember - should you break the oath you shall be punished... If you hace passed with flying colours little examination and endured hardships of working at bakery you'll be also promoted and become a craftsman. Show takes up to one hour. This museum forms part of gingerbread tradition which Toruń is famous for. Check availability in advance on +48 566636617. During peak season you should book your visit beforehand unless you plan to show up on Sat - Sun. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Off-peak season (from January to the end of March) open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There must be at least 5 persons to start show, this condition does not apply at 4 p.m. Need more information? Do not hesitate to phone this museum on +48 0566636617.

Buy

There are many shops, boutiques in old town selling clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, music, food, drinks, vegetables and fruits (on New Town market), etc.

Eat

At warm times of year Toruń's old town is full of street cafes, restaurants where you can eat or drink outdoors and enjoy the medieval atmosphere. Some cafés are located on the bank of river Vistula, and at least two are on boats on the river. Various dishes - traditional and fast food, drinks - beer, soft drinks and ice cream are offered there.
If you are a football lover there are many street cafes where you can watch a game on TV while drinking good Polish beer.

Toruń is known for its gingerbread (Toruńskie Pierniki). You must try it.

Manekin, ul. Wysoka 5, Rynek Staromiejski 16, ☎+48 566522885, [9]. Delicious, huge naleśniki (filled crêpes) with a large choice of fillings for only about 10 PLN each. It can get quite busy at peak times, but you will be warned if there will be a long wait. The staff are friendly and helpful and the restaurants have a nice ambiance. The restaurant on the old market square (Rynek Staromiejski) is particularly nice.

Drink

Bars

Beka.

Grota, Rynek Staromiejski 24 (north side of the Old Market Square, underneath the Orange shop). Friendly bar staff and locals, reasonable prices and an excellent range of spirits (including a terrifying assortment of vodkas!) makes this an excellent place to quench a thirst you may work up exploring Toruń's Old Town

Cafés

Sleep

Private Rooms

In Toruń if you would like to stay in one of the historic buildings in the old town, it is possible to rent a furnished apartment for the night from a local family. Go to the tourist information centre and ask them for a phone number, or have them call on your behalf if you don't speak Polish. It was less that 80 zloty per night during the summer in 2010.

Budget

Angel Hostel, ul. Rynek Staromiejski 8 (right on the Old Town Square), ☎+48 694 152 398, [15]. checkin: 1400; checkout: 1200. Placed in the Old Town Square, with a view over Town Hall. Contains eight-, four- or two-bed rooms.35 PLN-100 PLN.

Freedom Backpackers, ul. Szeroka 31/4 (right on the main street (ulica Szeroka)), ☎+48 790 704 785, [19]. checkin: 1400; checkout: 1200. A great, friendly hostel, right in the heart of the city centre, giving great access to the whole Old Town, internet, solid breakfast. All in all, a great base to explore the city!40 PLN.